Car supermarkets and franchised dealers saw vehicles sitting longer on forecourts according to the latest Market View from MOTORS.
For these dealers, the year got off to a slower start than in 2024 with the sold conversion rate down 11% and 13% respectively, while independents increased their sales by 1%. Overall January’s sales volumes were down 4% year-on-year (YoY).
The slow uptake was also reflected in an increase in days to sell, up month-on-month (MoM) from 33 to 35 days and YoY (30 days).
Stock levels across all dealer types averaged 51 cars, on a par with 50 units last January, but down MoM from 55 units, although this was the highest level recorded in 2024.
Car supermarkets entered the year with 11% more stock than 2024 and franchised dealers were up 5%, whilst independent dealers were flat.
The average price of a used car on MOTORS in January was £17,619, up just 0.3% (£57) MoM, in line with the incremental movements seen throughout last year, and 1% up YoY from £17,461.
The biggest MoM price rise by model was the all-electric MG4 (1-2 years) which increased 9% to £24,319, while the biggest dip was the hybrid Hyundai Tucson (1-2 years) dropping 6% to £26,490.
The fastest selling used car in January was the Cupra Formentor (19 days), followed by the MG3 (20 days) Tesla Model 3 (21 days), MG ZS (21 days) and MG HS (23 days).
Ford was the most viewed car brand, accounting for 13% of online views, followed by Volkswagen (9%), Mercedes-Benz (8%), BMW (7%) and Audi (7%).
“January traditionally gets off to a slow start for the used car market as buyers contend with Christmas bill payments and families prepare for the new school term.
“However, this year was compounded by a succession of storms bringing high winds, flooding and snow to most of the country,” said Lucy Tugby, Marketing Director of MOTORS.
“As a result dealers saw their sales conversion drop, compared to the same period last year, with many now carrying over unsold stock into February.